The football world continues to mourn the loss of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, who, alongside his brother André Silva, tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain. Amid the grief and tears, a heartbreaking story emerged about Jota’s pet dog, Luna, which has moved fans since the accident, highlighting the deep bond between the player and his pet.

According to people close to the family, Luna has been going to Jota’s locker every day since the tragedy, as if searching for his owner. Recently, he even grabbed one of his worn-out sneakers and wouldn’t let go.

This touching episode, coupled with new details about the accident investigation, further reinforces the extent of the personal tragedy experienced by Jota’s family and the global football community.

Luna’s moving ritual

Since the day of the accident, Luna, Diogo Jota’s inseparable dog, has been the subject of heartbreaking moments. According to family reports, the animal remains daily in front of the closet where the player kept his clothes and boots, as if awaiting her owner’s return. Recently, she even grabbed one of Jota’s sneakers and refused to let go, a scene that moved even those closest to her. For family members, it’s as if Luna is a silent reflection of the pain everyone faces.

Reactions from the world of football

The news of Jota’s death reverberated around the globe. Stadiums in England, Portugal, and even Spain paid tribute with minutes of silence. On social media, thousands of messages from fans praised not only the star on the field, but also the simple man dedicated to his family off it. Cristiano Ronaldo described Jota as “a little brother,” while Mohamed Salah posted a photo of the two together, accompanied by a broken heart.

The ongoing investigation

Despite the Civil Guard’s hypothesis regarding possible speeding, truck driver José Azevedo’s version of events has opened a new line of investigation. Road accident experts have been called in to analyze brake marks and the possibility of mechanical failure in the Lamborghini. Authorities are still awaiting technical reports, which should be completed in the coming weeks, to determine whether there was negligence, human error, or structural failure.

Family Grief

Rute Cardoso, now a widow at 28, has received support from friends, family, and the sports community. Her recent wedding, held with such joy in June, contrasts painfully with the void left in July. The family tries to preserve Jota’s memory discreetly, while caring for their three young 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, who still don’t fully understand the scale of the tragedy.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Although his career was tragically cut short, Diogo Jota leaves a legacy in European football. From his early days at Paços de Ferreira to his stardom at Liverpool, he was always remembered for his determination and humility. For many fans, his absence will not only be felt on the pitch, but also in the hearts of those who followed him on and off the field.

Luna’s story transcended the boundaries of soccer and esports. Television channels, international newspapers, and thousands of fan pages shared images of the dog with Jota’s cleat, transforming her into a universal symbol of loyalty and unconditional love. Psychologists specializing in animal behavior stated that behaviors like Luna’s are common in dogs who lose their owners, but rarely gain such a powerful public dimension.

The fans’ commotion

In stadiums, Jota’s name began to be chanted along with references to Luna. Liverpool fans carried banners reading “You’ll Never Walk Alone, Luna,” while in the stands at Anfield, some even carried images of the dog, honoring her as the guardian of the Portuguese star’s memory. In Portugal, fans of Penafiel and Porto organized vigils in which, in addition to remembering the player, they highlighted the special bond he always had with animals.

An Uncertain Future

For Rute Cardoso, Luna’s presence has become both a blessing and a challenge. While the dog’s closeness brings comfort to the family, she also relives Jota’s absence daily. Close friends revealed that Rute has been considering involving Luna in awareness campaigns about grief and the importance of animals as emotional support, something that could transform pain into a legacy.

Jota’s Living Memory

While the official investigation into the accident continues, the image of Luna next to Jota’s soccer cleat remains one of the most striking scenes of this tragedy. More than an isolated incident, it has become a symbol of the connection between humans and animals, and how love transcends even death.

For many fans, Jota will live on not only in the goals and victories he scored on the field, but also in every gesture of loyalty from Luna, who, without understanding the magnitude of the loss, holds the last physical link with her owner.